Antithymocyte Globulin in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Clinical Trial

Thirty-six intrafamilial and 35 cadaveric transplants performed consecutively between June 1969 and March 1971 were prospectively randomized into a control group and one treated with horse antihuman thymocyte globulin (HATG). All histocompatible related allografts are functioning regardless of whether HATG was used. Two year life-table survival for incompatible related grafts is 85.7% for HATG treated vs 58.4% for concurrent control grafts, while there was no difference in transplant survival of cadaveric grafts whether or not HATG was administered. Significantly fewer rejection episodes occurred in HATG cadaveric grafts. No differences in renal function, renal histologic findings, infections and other complications, or steroid requirements were noted when HATG-treated recipients were compared with control patients.